UKRAINE — Amid a war instigated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the fighting is claiming innocent lives at an alarming rate. In my reporting on the invasion of Ukraine and its impact on the adult industry, I’ve spoken with adult performers based in both Russia and Ukraine who are concerned about their safety and ability to make a living.

Russian models have told me that they don’t approve of Putin’s government, nor his incursion into territory held by Ukraine. One model, who will be referred to as “Ana” (speaking under a pseudonym) is based in a major metropolitan area in Russia.

“Unfortunately, there is a persecution of Russian models here,” Ana told me.  “The models in Russia are against the law, and therefore against Putin. Not a single model would be for this war to take place now. On the contrary, there are thoughts of leaving Russia because of the harassment of models.”

“What is the fault of adult workers? We want to live in peace and love,” she added. 

Ukranian models I spoke with agreed wholeheartedly.  Natasha Kometa, a Ukrainian OnlyFans Model based in the Odessa area, said she doesn’t think models should be used as political talking points.

“In general, I try not to follow what others are doing and focus on my work,” Kometa said. “We have already been criticized for the fact that we sell content in wartime. So to speak, we sell vaginas when people pay with their lives. However, I think that Russian models are the same people as we are (Ukrainian models), and I consider it unnecessary to involve them in politics.”

Another Ukrainian model, “Ivanna” (also speaking under a pseudonym), was evacuated west to avoid the fighting. Though my conversation with Ivanna was brief, she told me over OnlyFans private messaging that she vehemently believes “the ones who make the war should be punished.”

Echoing Natasha and Ana, Ivanna also stressed that peace is the solution and it should prevail above all else. 

Dove photo by Artem Podrez from Pexels